Death toll from Quetta reaches 80

QUETTA, Pakistan, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The death toll from a bombing in Quetta, Pakistan, has risen to 80, with more expected to succumb to their injuries, officials said.

The bombing happened on Kerani Road in Quetta on Saturday when alleged terrorists set off an improvised explosive device that was planted in a water tank was armed with between 1,750 and 2,200 pounds of high-grade explosives, Geo News reported.

The death toll reached 80 people Sunday, with 173 people injured, police said. More casualties are feared as many of the injured were in critical condition. A large number of women and children are among the victims of the bombing.

The governments of Sindh and Balochistan held a day of mourning Sunday for the Quetta bombing, Geo News said.

Meanwhile, Karachi Goods Transporters Association and the Oil Tankers Association announced they plan to halt supply of goods across the country following the bombing.

President Asif Ali Zardari telephoned Balochistan Gov. Zulfiqar Magsi and asked him to monitor the relief operation in Quetta and provide stronger security to the Hazara community, the report said.

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